Club AGM
The Aodh Ruadh AGM will take place this Sunday 6th December at 3pm in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. All club members, and indeed anyone with an interest in Gaelic games and culture in Ballyshannon, are most warmly invited to attend as we reflect on the year past and plan for 2016.

Football
To our great disappointment, the much anticipated under 21 semi-final against Saint Eunan's once again fell afoul of the weather on Sunday. There was no word available on when the game might be refixed at the time of writing.

After a good summary of proceedings on the pitch in 2015, the following appointments were made for the 2016 season at last Wednesday's Bord na nÓg AGM. Chairman, David O'Donnell; Secretary Lisa McTernan; Minor management, Peter McKenna and Raymond Granaghan; Under 16 management, Vacant; Under 14 management, Jim Kane and Brian Roper; Under 12 management, Alan Sweeny and Kerry Ryan; Under 10 management, David O'Donnell and Paul Gillespie; Under 8 management, John Hughes; Under 6, Niall McCready.

Congratulations to the Coláiste Cholmcille senior team who defeated St Joseph's Grammar, Donaghmore by six points in the Ulster O'Doherty Shield semi-final. The final is set to take place next week against St Mark's, Warrenpoint.

Hurling
Aodh Ruadh Juvenile Hurling Committee hosts its AGM this Wednesday 2nd December 8pm in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. We will be reviewing 2015 and planning for 2016. All interested in underage hurling are welcome. We would especially like to see some parents getting involved. Don't worry, nobody will be getting stuck with a job, come along and see how much work goes into keeping underage hurling alive in Aodh Ruadh.

A date for your diaries. The Juvenile Hurlers host their annual quiz on Thursday 17th December in Owen Roe's, it's always a fun-filled event that helps kicks off the Christmas festivities with a bang.

Ladies
The Ladies AGM will take place on Sunday 13th December at 2.30pm in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. A good attendance would be appreciated as we look ahead to the coming year.

Colman's Charity Kickabout
The fourth annual Kickabout for Colman will take place on Monday 28th December with the first games throwing in at 1.30pm. This year it is in aid of Hand in Hand, a children's cancer charity, and GRASP, a suicide prevention charity.

Big Bad and Back
The annual Big Bad Interactive YouTube Pub Quiz takes place in Dicey Reilly's on Monday 28th December. Using the big screens in Dicey's there will be five live action rounds on comedy, advertising, music, what happens next and a Vines observation round.

Bingo
The November big bingo jackpot of €1,000 was won by Eileen Doherty of Donegal on 49 numbers. There was no winner of the winter snowball prize, so it now stands at €425 on 50 numbers or less. Bingo as usual this Friday at 9pm at the Abbey Centre. Books priced at just €10.

Club AGM
A well attended club AGM was held in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh on Sunday afternoon with over 40 club members present to review 2015 and plan for the coming season. There was only one motion put forward for consideration, but in the absence of the proposer it was decided to defer consideration to the first meeting of the incoming committee. Before the election of officers Club President Owen Roe O'Neill made a well received address. He spoke about the invaluable work done over the years by dedicated coaches and administrators in support of the GAA in Ballyshannon. "In my view you measure success by participation," said Uachatarán Aodh Ruadh. "There is no 'I' in club. It is a collective effort by everybody which makes Aodh Ruadh what it is, one of the proudest clubs in Donegal." Owen Roe noted his pleasure at the rejuvenation of handball in the town and the great use being made of the alley on the Mall. He concluded by remembering all those associated with club who had passed away in the past year and wished the incoming committee all the best for 2016. Outgoing Chairman Diarmaid Keon commended the work done in the club over the past year and acknowledged the huge voluntary effort and the great contribution of club sponsors. The meeting then proceeded to the election of officer with the following posts being filled. Patrons: Father Ó Fearrai and Monsignor Connolly; President: Owen Roe O'Neill; Vice Presidents: Peter Conlon, PJ Buggy, John Magee and John Murphy; Chairman: Gerard Ferguson; Secretary: Lisa McTernan; Treasurer Catherine McKee; Assistant Treasurer: Sean O'Mahoney; PRO: John Hughes; Substitute County Board Delegates: Diarmaid Keon and John Travers; Health and Well-being Officer: Gerard Ferguson; Child Protection Officer: John Travers. Also elected on to the committee were Dinny Loughlin, Louie Boyle, Mike Lynch, Terence McShea, Sylvester Maguire, Peter McKenna, John Keon, Mick McGrath, John Magree, Ronan Drummond, Kevin Loughlin, Maurice McLaughlin and Peter Boyle. The following posts were left over for appointment at the first meeting of the incoming committee, Assistant Secretary, Oifigeach na Gaeilge and Director of Coaching. The Park Committee AGM was also held at the club AGM, with the following officer post being filled. Chairman: Tom Daly; Secretary: Conal Gallagher; Assistant Secretary: Peter Conlon; Treasurer: David McLoone; Bingo Treasurer: Cathal Gallagher.

Football
Commiserations to the Coláiste Cholmcille senior team who lost by a goal in the Ulster O'Doherty Shield final against St Mark's, Warrenpoint. There were good performances from Daniel Warnock, Dara Dolan and Sean Taylor, but the Down men were the slightly slicker side on the day.

Hurling
The Juvenile Hurling Committee held their AGM last Wednesday. While the crowd was slightly down on last year, the loyal and hard-working juvenile hurling enthusiasts enjoyed a very good meeting. We reviewed a difficult 2015. While no titles were won it was a tremendous achievement for our six teams to field for every game this season. We continued to provide players for all the county squads. All managers provided comprehensive reports of their activities for the year, looking forward to 2016. We are again going to be in difficulty numbers wise for a number of age groups, but luckily while the number of coaches and administrators may be small, they are very hard working and the future of underage hurling in Aodh Ruadh is in good hands. The following positions were filled on the night. Chairman: John Rooney; Assistant Chairman: John Larkin Jr; Secretary: Denis Daly; Assistant Secretary; Eddie Lynch. Team manager appointed were - Under 8: John Rooney; Under 10: Peter Horan and Gregory Gallagher; Under 12: Denis Daly; Under 14: John Larkin, John Rooney, Michael Ayres and Denis Daly; Under 16: John Rooney, Peter Horan and Mike Lynch; Minor: Peter Horan, John Rooney and Mike Lynch.

The Juvenile Hurlers host their annual quiz on Thursday 17th December in Owen Roe's, it's always a fun-filled event that helps kicks off the Christmas festivities with a bang.

Ladies
The Ladies AGM will take place on Sunday 13th December at 2.30pm in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. A good attendance would be appreciated as we look ahead to the coming year.

Colman's Charity Kickabout
The fourth annual Kickabout for Colman will take place on Monday 28th December with the first games throwing in at 1.30pm as Aodh Ruadh once again takes on the Rest of the World. This year it is in aid of two charities. The first is Hand in Hand (www.handinhand.ie), a children's cancer charity which provides practical support for families in Ireland whose lives have been affected by childhood cancer. The second is GRASP (www.grasplife.ie), a charity whose mission is to support those experiencing emotional distress or thinking of suicide through professional therapeutic counselling and support by psychotherapists trained in the area of suicide prevention.

Big Bad and Back
Come to Dicey Reilly's on Monday December 28th for some festive craic as Aodh Ruadh's Big Bad Interactive YouTube Pub Quiz comes blazing back. Using the big screens in Dicey's there will be five live action rounds on comedy, advertising, music, what happens next and a Vines observation round. The quiz gets rolling at 9pm and we'll have big prizes on the night and loads of great spot prizes to be won. All funds go to support the work of Aodh Ruadh.

GAA National Club Draw 2016
Tickets for the GAA National Club Draw are now on sale. These tickets have some great prizes on offer including a new Opel Corsa, trips to the 216 All-Stars, a €1,500 travel voucher, All-Ireland final corporate packages, All-Ireland final tickets and €1,000 shopping vouchers to name just a few. Tickets are €10 each are now on sale with club members. Revenues from all tickets sold by club members stay with Aodh Ruadh.

Bingo
Last week's €400 bingo jackpot was won by Kathleen Keown, Belleek. There was no winner of snowball prize, so it now stands at €450 on 50 numbers or less. Bingo as usual this Friday at 9pm at the Abbey Centre. Books priced at just €10.

Ladies
Poor attendance meant the Ladies AGM lacked a quorum and so was unable to proceed on Sunday afternoon. Ladies football is enjoying large numbers and some success in the club. However the coaching and administrative burden has fallen on a small number of dedicated shoulders. While we are getting great levels of participation, which is great to see, the coaching and administrative manpower which allows that happen is just too small and is endangering our ability to sustain ladies football in the club. It is essential the club generates a quorum for the rescheduled Ladies AGM if we are to sustain ladies football in Aodh Ruadh. Past players and parents are particularly asked to consider giving even a small part of their time to help us provide football for girls in Ballyshannon, be that on the sideline or in the committee room.

Football
The under 21 A semi-final between Aodh Ruadh and Saint Eunan's has been rescheduled for this Saturday at 2pm in Tir Chonaill Park, Donegal Town. Extra time will be played if required. We hope to (a) finally get this game played and (b) see a large and vocal showing of Ballyshannon support down in Donegal Town for this big game.

Hurling
The Juvenile Hurling Committee hold their annual Christmas Quiz this Thursday in Owen Roes starting at 9.45 pm. It's always a great night's craic with loads of great raffle prizes, if you can't make it but want tickets for the raffle contact any of the committee. All support welcome for what's sure to be a great night's fun to start your Christmas celebrations.

Colman's Charity Kickabout
The fourth annual Kickabout for Colman will take place on Monday 28th December with the first games throwing in at 1.30pm as Aodh Ruadh once again takes on the Rest of the World. This year it is in aid of two charities. The first is Hand in Hand (www.handinhand.ie), a children's cancer charity which provides practical support for families in Ireland whose lives have been affected by childhood cancer. The second is GRASP (www.grasplife.ie), a charity whose mission is to support those experiencing emotional distress or thinking of suicide through professional therapeutic counselling and support by psychotherapists trained in the area of suicide prevention.

Big Bad and Back
Come to Dicey Reilly's on Monday December 28th for some festive craic as Aodh Ruadh's Big Bad Interactive YouTube Pub Quiz comes blazing back. Using the big screens in Dicey's there will be five live action rounds on comedy, advertising, music, what happens next and a Vines observation round. The quiz gets rolling at 9pm and we'll have big prizes on the night and loads of great spot prizes to be won. All funds go to support the work of Aodh Ruadh.

GAA National Club Draw 2016
Tickets for the GAA National Club Draw are now on sale. These tickets have some great prizes on offer including a new Opel Corsa, trips to the 216 All-Stars, a €1,500 travel voucher, All-Ireland final corporate packages, All-Ireland final tickets and €1,000 shopping vouchers to name just a few. Tickets are €10 each are now on sale with club members. Revenues from all tickets sold by club members stay with Aodh Ruadh.

Abbey Centre Bingo
Last week's €400 bingo jackpot was won by Della von Bock from Bundoran. This Friday is the Christmas Big Bingo with a mega €3,100 prize fund and heaps of spot prizes. The winter snowball now stands at €475 on 50 numbers and we'll be playing our usual big bingo jackpot of a cool €1,000. Don't miss out! Books are available priced at €15 for full book or €8 for a half book.

Club Kit for Christmas
Collection for club gear will take place on Wednesday 23rd December from 5.30pm to 7pm. Please note, due to the heavy volume of gear to be collected we would appreciate a few volunteers to come along and assist with distribution.

Football
The curtain was drawn on Aodh Ruadh's 2015 season in disappointing fashion when the under 21s lost out to Saint Eunan's in the county under 21 semi-final. The Ernesiders came out on the wrong side of a 1-11 to 1-6 scoreline in Donegal town after a hard fought contest. Ballyshannon played against the wind in first half and did well to go in at the break only trailing 0-4 to 0-8. They also had a man advantage after two cards saw Jordan O'Dowd dismissed for the Letterkenny men. Unfortunately Aodh Ruadh couldn't make those advantages count in the third quarter and time was against them as they entered the last 15 minutes trailing 0-11 to 0-4. With 42 minutes on the clock David McGurrin was fouled in the area and duly dispatched the spot kick to the net. McGurrin then added a brace of frees to take Ballyshannon back to within two points of Eunan's. However Barry McGeehin knocked home a fortunate late goal for the Letterkenny men to take the tie beyond the reach of Peter McKenna's men. Aodh Ruadh: Daniel Kelly; Calum O'Halloran, Eugene Dummond, Eddie Lynch; Pauric Patton, Eamonn McGrath, Nathan Boyle (0-1 45); Oisin Rooney, Niall Harley; Johnny Gethins, Philip Patton, Jamie McDonald; Shane McGrath (0-1), Ryan Granaghan, David McGurrin (1-4, 1-0 pen, 3f). Subs: Oisin Roper for McDonald 29m; Ryan McKenna for O'Halloran 39m, Colm Kelly for McGrath 49m. We have pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org

Hurling
Thanks to all supported the Juvenile Hurling quiz last Thursday. We had a great night of fun and craic. Well done to the winning team of Billy Finn, Conal Gallagher and the father and son Larkin combination, the two John's. Thanks to the following businesses who donated prizes for the night, Belleek Pottery, Ballyshannon Coal, Pill Box Pharmacy, Abbey Garage, Rooney's Butchers, Seán Óg's, Mr G's, Toners Pharmacy, Declan Cleary Car Valeting, Tiles Direct, Filling Station, Slevin's Dept Store, Ballyshannon Shoe Company, Kevin Loughlin Plumbing, Star Bingo Bundoran, Supervalu Bundoran, Maguire Fuels Belleek, The Filling Station, Kevin Byrne, Centra, and Kernan's. The support of all these businesses is much appreciated and we would encourage everyone to support them. Finally thanks to Eugene Perry who acted as quiz master and Karl Duggan who set the questions.

We wish everyone a happy and peaceful Christmas and every good wish for 2016!

Colman's Charity Kickabout

If you can't see the clip above, we have a YouTube promo for the fourth annual Kickabout for Colman which you can check out on ShamTV. The Kickabout takes place next Monday 28th December in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh with refreshments being served in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. The first match will be between a mix of under 16 girls and minor boys and throws in at 1.30pm. Players can contact Peter McKenna or Tara Khan for details of this game. That clash is followed at 2pm by the Aodh Ruadh Ladies against the Rest of the World with the Aodh Ruadh senior men against the Rest of the World throwing in at 2.30pm. Anyone interested in lining out for the Rest of the World Football Selections is asked to email Simon Gillespie at nygaagdo@gmail.com so we can get an idea of numbers. Special thanks to Terence McShea and Shane Toolan who will be sharing the refereeing duties in Munday's on Monday. This year the Kickabout is in aid of two charities. The first is Hand in Hand (www.handinhand.ie), a children's cancer charity which provides practical support for families in Ireland whose lives have been affected by childhood cancer. The second is GRASP (www.grasplife.ie), a charity whose mission is to support those experiencing emotional distress or thinking of suicide through professional therapeutic counselling and support by psychotherapists trained in the area of suicide prevention. There will be buckets doing the rounds on Monday so please give generously.

Big Bad and Back
Come to Dicey Reilly's on Monday December 28th for some festive craic as Aodh Ruadh's Big Bad Interactive YouTube Pub Quiz comes blazing back. Using the big screens in Dicey's there will be five live action rounds on comedy, advertising, music, what happens next and a Vines observation round. The quiz gets rolling at 9pm and we'll have big prizes on the night and loads of great spot prizes to be won. All funds go to support the work of Aodh Ruadh.

Scór Sinsir
The club is looking for competitors to enter the Scór Sinsir this year. The county semi-final is due to take place on Saturday 16th January and a county final on Friday 29th January. Any interested competitors are asked to contact Sean O'Mahoney on 086-8553245 before 31st December 2015. There are eight sections and we would welcome competitors to go forward and represent Aodh Ruadh in any or all categories.

Rince Foirne - Céilí or figure dancing.
Includes no less than four people and no more than eight.

Amhránaíocht Aonair - Solo Singing.
The song must be related to the history of Ireland, its people, places or folklore.

Aithriseoireacht / Scéalaíocht - Recitation / Storytelling.
Recitations, monologues, poems and stories relating to Ireland, its history, local folklore, people and places or in the Irish language. Not more than six minutes.

Ceol Uirlise - Instrumental Music.
This is for Irish music only. At least two people and not more than five.

Léiriú - Presentation.
A presentation of history or mythology of Ireland, to include at least three people and not more than eight. Drama, including comedy, live music, singing and dancing are encouraged.

Bailéad Ghrúpa. Ballad group.
To include at least three people and not more than five. Groups must sing two contrasting ballads relating to the history of Ireland, its people or folklore.

Rince Siet. Set Dancing.
To include at least four people and not more than eight.

Tráth na gCeisteanna. Quiz.
Team of four.

GAA National Club Draw 2016
Tickets for the GAA National Club Draw are now on sale. These tickets have some great prizes on offer including a new Opel Corsa, trips to the 216 All-Stars, a €1,500 travel voucher, All-Ireland final corporate packages, All-Ireland final tickets and €1,000 shopping vouchers to name just a few. Tickets are €10 each are now on sale with club members. Revenues from all tickets sold by club members stay with Aodh Ruadh.

Abbey Centre Bingo
The Christmas big bingo jackpot was shared between Noeleen McCann and Tara Khan of Ballyshannon. A huge thank you to our generous spot prize sponsors Centra, Rooney's Butchers, Kernan's Spar, The Limit Bar and Restaurant, Abbey Garage, Bridgend Bar and Ballyshannon Coal. The next bingo will be on New Year's Day which will include a €500 snowball prize. Thank you and a very merry Christmas to all our patrons who supported us throughout 2015.

Nollaig shona
Aodh Ruadh wishes all associated with the club and everyone in the wider Ballyshannon community a happy, peaceful Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Nollaig shona
Aodh Ruadh wishes all associated with the club and everyone in the wider Ballyshannon community a happy, peaceful Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Ladies
The reconvened Ladies AGM will take place this Sunday 3rd January at 6pm in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. Ladies football is enjoying large numbers and some success in the club. However the coaching and administrative burden has fallen on a small number of dedicated shoulders. While we are getting great levels of participation, which is great to see, the coaching and administrative manpower which allows that happen is just too small and is endangering our ability to sustain ladies football in the club. It is essential the club generates a quorum for the rescheduled Ladies AGM if we are to sustain ladies football in Aodh Ruadh. Past players and parents are particularly asked to consider giving even a small part of their time to help us provide football for girls in Ballyshannon, be that on the sideline or in the committee room.

Scór Sinsir
The club is looking for competitors to enter the Scór Sinsir this year. The club has a long history of competing in Scór with some notable successes over the years. However, our involvement has tailed off in recent times and we would like to get Aodh Ruadh out there again, especially given the rich reserves of talent in the town and surrounding areas.
The county semi-final is due to take place on Saturday 16th January and a county final on Friday 29th January. Any interested competitors are asked to contact Sean O’Mahoney on 086-8553245 before 31st December 2015. There are eight sections and we would welcome competitors to go forward and represent Aodh Ruadh in any or all categories.

Rince Foirne - Céilí or figure dancing.
Includes no less than four people and no more than eight.

Amhránaíocht Aonair - Solo Singing.
The song must be related to the history of Ireland, its people, places or folklore.

Aithriseoireacht / Scéalaíocht - Recitation / Storytelling.
Recitations, monologues, poems and stories relating to Ireland, its history, local folklore, people and places or in the Irish language. Not more than six minutes.

Ceol Uirlise - Instrumental Music.
This is for Irish music only. At least two people and not more than five.

Léiriú - Presentation.
A presentation of history or mythology of Ireland, to include at least three people and not more than eight. Drama, including comedy, live music, singing and dancing are encouraged.

Bailéad Ghrúpa. Ballad group.
To include at least three people and not more than five. Groups must sing two contrasting ballads relating to the history of Ireland, its people or folklore.

Rince Siet. Set Dancing.
To include at least four people and not more than eight.